Potential Dog Adoptee?

Question

I'm 15 and my Mom and I looked today at the animal shelter for a dog that we plan to adopt, soon.

If it was up to her, she would adopt a Lab or something from a breeder, but i dont think it makes any sense when there's dogs who need a home and are cheaper and just as cute and nice.

We saw today a dog named Rugby who was a Shepherd mix and was young, but not really a puppy. We took her outside and she was incredibly calm and didnt bark and is adorable.

The lady at the place said for a first time dog, this might not be the best choice since "she was a little mouthy and a Shepherd". It didnt seem like she bit at all, and is it ok to disregard that comment?

Also, how long does it take for them to give you the dog once you decide for sure you want the animal? It had the green card meaning it was ready to adopt.

Answer 1

No, it's not good to disregard the comment. The shelter lady may have just had more experience with that dog and knows exactly what she is talking about. But you will need more information from her then that. Has she ever bitten anyone? Did they temperament test her and how did she do? Maybe this isn't the dog for you, especially if it's your first dog. But maybe this dog will fit in with your family.

As for when you get her, that depends on the shelter.  

Answer 2

you should be able to take the dog home that day. i wouldnt listen to an animal shelter workers opinon on dog breeds simply b/c they usually know nothing or less than nothing. i would act quickly about adopting if you found the dog you want they usually only get a week before they are put down.

Answer 3

when i adopted about 48 hours and go for it you are a true blessing to that animal

Answer 4

It depends on what kind of housing situation you have.  If you have a large yard, then a large shepherd dog will have a lot of room to run and play.  Usually when pet owners refer to their dogs being "mouthy" they mean loud, and barks.  The puppy could also be teething, that's would explain it biting and chewing, if that's what she meant.  If you have a house and the patience for a puppy then I would disregard her comment.  Most people who work at those shelters are only volunteers and aren't the most knowledgeable about what and why dogs are doing certain things.  If she meant that it bites, it is very, very probable that it's teething.  Shepherds also require lots of exercise, I wouldn't recommend them to a house that has small children because they can be very energetic.

All in all, I would disregard her comment if you have a house, yard, and are fully prepared to take full responibility and care of the dog.  If you have a small house/apt. or small brothers or sisters, I would rethink it and perhaps get a smaller/calmer dog.  Usually how a dog acts at the shelter is how it will act when it gets accustomed to your home, because it believes the shelter is it's home.

If you want to recconsider the dog, go to:

www.petfinder.com

They have listings of all adoptable pets in your area!

Answer 5

Thanks for adopting. Also I know my dog was mouthy when we first adopted her. All she would do was take her mouth and put it around our hands to tell us she wanted something or that she was just anxious. I was fairly easy to train her out of it though we just said very firmly no whenever she did it also we'd pull gently on her collar so she couldn't hang on. It normally only takes a couple of days they mainly read your paperwork talk to your vet and decide whether or not to adopt to you.  

Answer 6

By "mouthy" she probably means the dog will try to chew on your hands when playing, not that the dog bites (if that description makes sense).  A lot of dogs do this, especially puppies.  It does not mean the dog bites.  What it means is that if the dog starts "mouthing" your hand while you're petting her, yelp, take your hand way, turn away and stop playing.  When she's calm, pet her, praise her, etc.  You just have to teach her NOT to mouth you when playing.  It can be done pretty easily.

Answer 7

I have a GSD and she is a great dog! She can be a little mouthy but that's only when I get her wound up and we are playing and stuff. She is also still young and I am teaching her 'no bite' and she does know what it means so she stops when she's told.

I think you can disregard the comment. If it becomes a problem just teach her 'no bite' or something similar. The only time I was there when adopting an animal from the shelter was when I was younger and my mom and I got a cat. All we had to do was fill out the papers once we decided to adopt her. Then you had to have a couple people that they could call for references. And after that we got to take her home and it was done. It took less than an hour. I don't know if it is the same way with dogs or not. And it might be different at that particular shelter. Good luck! I hope you are able to adopt her!  

Answer 8

Sometimes when people say that their dog is 'mouthy', it means that she might bark every once in awhile for no reason, or that she'll just pretend to bite while playing. Most Shepherds are a little more defensive of their 'pack', which will end up being you and your family, and so she might growl at neighbors. With a little training, however, you can get her to be a really friendly dog (if this turns out to be a problem with her). Since she seemed calm when you took her out, though, I don't really think that'll be a problem.

As for when you'll get to take her home, it depends on the shelter. Some of them let you take them right away, while others have you wait a day.